Midfielders Joe Cole and Michael Ballack have been officially released by Chelsea it has been reported. The pair have been surrounded by speculation that they would no longer be at Stamford Bridge next term and those rumours have now come true with the Champions opting not to offer them new deals according to The Sun.

Cole turned down an offer from the Blues recently and the club has now decided to withdraw any further offers meaning he is free to leave.

He has been linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Injured German Ballack wanted a one-year extension but the club has refused to meet his demands and will be on the lookout for a new club.